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This is an ancient Buddha Vihar constructed by bricks. It was discovered from an excavation done in 1955. It was constructed by Bhikshu Anand Prabhu in seventh century AD in the reign of Mahashivgupt Balarjun, the Somvanshi King of Sirpur. Hence it was named as Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar. In the ancient times Bhikshu’s used to live and learn about Buddhism over here. The Vihar had 14 rooms and at the main entrance adored the Dwarapal carved in stone pillars on either side. A six feet tall statue of Buddha touching the earth is installed inside the vihar. This Vihar shows the combination of both a temple and a garden and it is a good example of the art of Somvanshis of Dakshina Kosala. This Vihar was double story building surrounded with thin- wide (about 5 feet wide) brick walls. Here are the photos of Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar:

• Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar:



• Sculpture:



• Sculpture:



• Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar:

Next, we saw the excavated Padmapani vihar:

Next, was the Swastik Vihar. Situated very close to Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar, Swastik Vihar is also an ancient Buddha Vihar constructed by bricks. It was constructed in seventh century AD in the reign of Mahashivgupt Balarjun, the Somvanshi King of Sirpur. Because of its structure similar to the auspicious Swastik it was named as Swastik Vihar. It is believed to have been used by Buddhist monks for meditation and study.

Then, we saw the excavated Shiva temple:

It was getting dark and after a cup of tea we returned to Bhilai.

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